Alzarri Joseph hits back at Daren Sammy over ‘declined selection’ remarks for Pakistan Tests

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Alzarri Joseph and West Indies head coach Daren Sammy have found themselves at the center of a public disagreement over the pacer’s absence from the ongoing two-match Test series against Pakistan. What initially appeared to be a routine selection update has now developed into a war of words, with Joseph insisting that Sammy’s public remarks created a misleading narrative about his availability despite Cricket West Indies (CWI) officially citing “personal reasons” for his absence.

The controversy began after CWI announced the squad for the home Test series against Pakistan on July 23, stating that Joseph was unavailable for selection due to personal reasons. However, the situation took a different turn a day later when Sammy, during a press conference, revealed that the fast bowler had declined selection.

Sammy had said that Joseph was selected for the squad but chose not to be part of the series after returning from injury. Responding to those comments, Joseph made it clear that he was disappointed with how the situation had been portrayed publicly. Speaking on the Antigua Observer’s Good Morning Jojo Sports Show, the speedster said he had already discussed the matter privately with both Sammy and Cricket West Indies.

“We had a chat, myself and the head coach. I’ve also had a chat with Cricket West Indies (CWI), and if you realise, the statement CWI released said ‘personal reasons’. Mr Sammy, being around for a long time, knows exactly what that statement would have done. So, to be honest, I have nothing to say to Mr Sammy in terms of his statement,” Joseph said.

The 29-year-old added that the coach’s remarks lacked the necessary context and encouraged unnecessary speculation. Joseph stressed that the issue was never about refusing to represent the West Indies but rather about carefully managing his workload after a lengthy injury layoff.

“Like I said, he knows exactly what that statement would have done and the narrative it would have pushed in the public,” he added.

The right-arm quick explained that his decision was influenced by concerns over his physical condition after recovering from a second stress fracture in his lower back, which had sidelined him for almost a year. Having recently returned to action, Joseph featured in both Tests against Sri Lanka before playing five consecutive One-Day Internationals against New Zealand. He admitted that despite successfully completing those assignments, he did not believe his body was ready for another demanding Test series immediately afterward.

“Obviously, I’ve been out for an entire year. I haven’t played at international intensity for so long after having a second stress fracture. We spoke about me playing the two Test matches here, playing five back-to-back ODIs and how my body was feeling, and I knew to myself that my body was not ready to go into another Test series. So, the statement in itself is controversial, without context,” Joseph added.

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While the off-field dispute continues to attract attention, West Indies remain firmly focused on completing a series victory over Pakistan. The Caribbean side currently holds a 1-0 lead after registering a commanding 90-run win in the opening Test, a historic result that gave them the upper hand in the two-match contest. The victory also boosted confidence within the squad as they prepare for the series finale.

The second and final Test is scheduled to begin on August 2, 2026, at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain, where West Indies will look to seal a clean sweep against Pakistan. Whether the ongoing disagreement between Joseph and Sammy has any long-term impact on the team’s environment remains to be seen, but for now, the focus shifts back to the cricket as the hosts chase another memorable Test triumph.

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